When people think of beach destinations in the United States, buzzy spots like South Beach, Malibu and Waikiki often come to mind. Place-named TV shows like “Outer Banks” and “Laguna Beach” have put their beachy settings on people’s travel radars as well.
But of course, our vast country, with its massive coastlines and lakes, is home to many more incredible shores worth exploring. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up 14 underrated beach destinations in the U.S. While many are hardly underrated among area locals, they have yet to make it onto the average traveler’s bucket list... at least for now.
While many tourists flock to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for a coastal getaway, you can also drive just 45 minutes north to Sunset Beach, North Carolina for a more laid-back escape from the crowds.
The area boasts true small-town charm, complete with a local pier, gazebo and "Kindred Spirits Mailbox" on a wooden post in the sand. Rather than a beach lined with towering resorts, condo complexes and chains, you've got mom-and-pop eateries and shops, dreamy houses and plenty of natural beauty
You might not think of Racine, Wisconsin as a classic beach destination, but the Midwest city's North Beach offers 50 acres of waterfront splendor on Lake Michigan's western shore.
Praised for its cleanliness and spaciousness, North Beach also has plenty of experiences to enjoy — from live music to beach volleyball to biking along the waterfront pathway. Plus, visitors can enjoy the amenities of a city without feeling like they can't find anywhere to spread out their towels in peace.
Stretching from Watch Hill into Bock Island Sound, Napatree Point Conservation Area in Westerly, Rhode Island is a protected wildlife preserve and serene beach with true New England charm.
Ocean State locals enjoy the area for lovely beach strolls, birdwatching and swimming — although they warn parking can be a bit of a challenge. And while Taylor Swift fans flock to the nearby East Beach and Watch Hill Beach to try to get a glimpse of the music superstar at her Rhode Island home, you can find a bit more tranquility over at Napatree Point.
Similar to the nearby Florida Panhandle, Alabama's Gulf Coast is filled with gorgeous beaches that feel like stepping into a watercolor painting.
Gulf Shores Main Public Beach is known for its pristine powder white sand and fun vibes. Enjoy lying in the sand or consider exploring one of the nearby hiking and biking trails, and The Hangout is one of many great spots in the area for seafood, drinks and live music.
Oregon's Cannon Beach tends to attract visitors to the state with its iconic Haystack Rock and expansive shores, but about 100 miles south is the less famous Cobble Beach.
The striking coastline is dotted with the beach's namesake dark round stones — said to be formed from ancient lava as it hit the ocean and cooled 14 million years ago. Those who've spent time on Cobble Beach note the "rock music," the particular sound the waves make as they hit the black cobbles and recede.
Cape Cod is famous for popular beaches like Mayflower Beach and Coast Guard Beach, but Wood Neck Beach in town of Falmouth flies more under the radar.
Tucked away on Buzzards Bay, this small beach tends to stay quiet, presenting a peaceful and scenic oasis. The tide pools, sandbars and abundant seashells make it particularly nice for families.
Stinson Beach, California is hardly underrated to those who live in the San Francisco Bay Area, but it's not quite on the radar of the average traveler.
Situated just north of the Golden City, this unincorporated area in Marin County is a great spot for hiking, surfing, kayaking and even spotting harbor seals. Visitors rave about the abundance of cute places to shop and eat in the area as well.
Located off the Atlantic coast of Georgia, Jekyll Island has a long history as a vacation destination and winter retreat for families like the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts and Pulitzers. But you don't have to mega-wealthy to visit the island and explore the natural scenery on offer.
Driftwood Beach is often described as a sort of otherworldly escape, where you can walk among the abundance of ancient driftwood and feel the sand and ocean under your feet. The rugged beauty is unmatched, and depending on when you visit, you might even feel as though you have the place to yourself.
Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, Anna Maria Island is a seven-mile-long barrier island that offers a quieter, more relaxed alternative to uber popular spots in the state.
The destination boasts multiple beaches for vacationers to soak up the sun, including the secluded Bean Point, where you can take in views of both the gulf and Tampa Bay. Many locals recommend staying until sunset for some truly stunning sights.
While Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach and Dewey Beach get a lot of attention as premier Delaware beaches, Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes is lesser known to those outside the area.
This destination blends relaxation and adventure with its wide clean beaches, scenic trails, sand dunes, salt marshes and more. Plus, history lovers can explore the World War II-era Fort Miles.
When the mountain snow melts in Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve becomes home to a "beach."
Medano Creek forms seasonally, so you have a limited window to take in the flowing waves as you stroll through the sand, but it's a beloved summer experience for locals. For travelers previously unfamiliar with the phenomenon, you might want to time your next visit to Colorado accordingly.
Often called "Port A," Port Aransas is a hidden gem along the Gulf Coast of Texas with real laid-back energy and a strong local feel.
The sandy shoreline is a sanctuary of wide, uncrowded beach space where people and wildlife thrive. There are plenty of seafood eateries and dive bars in the area, and you can also visit the nearby Mustang Island State Park for more adventure.
Goat Rock Beach is a beautiful strip of coastline along Sonoma Coast State Park in Northern California.
The towering sea stacks — particularly the namesake Goat Rock itself — create a dramatic seaside landscape with an almost cinematic quality — perfect for hiking or pausing for some peaceful meditation. Travelers also have the opportunity to observe harbor seals, sea lions and other creatures lounging along the shore.
Another underrated beach in the Midwest is Weko Beach in Bridgman, Michigan.
The smaller beach on Lake Michigan is a nice retreat for swimming, strolling and sunbathing against a panoramic backdrop and fewer crowds than other shores in the area. Weko Beach is also a known spot for finding colored beach glass and unique pebbles.